Last drinks as Cricketers Arms Hotel shuts its doors after a strong innings

By Khadija Hadjab

Jan 8, 2024

Pouring last pints: Matthew Sleeth in front of the Cricketers Arms Hotel. Photo by Djembe Archibald

After half-a-decade spent cultivating a strong sense of community in Mooroopna, the Cricketers Arms Hotel is closing up shop and bidding farewell to its local patrons.

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Matthew Sleeth and Mia Parkkola took the reins of the pub in 2019, embarking on a remarkable journey that has now come to an end.

Despite their lack of prior pub ownership experience, the two publicans forged a genuine camaraderie with their customers in Mooroopna during their tenure, creating a vibrant place for locals to come together.

Reflecting on their five-year venture, they expressed heartfelt gratitude to patrons for their ongoing support.

Mr Sleeth said running a pub was “quite the journey” and presented its share of obstacles and victories.

Upon assuming ownership, the keg consumption tripled from two to six per week.

And patrons were always at the heart of what they did.

Over the five years, the price of beer increased only twice, even as the keg costs rose an estimated sixfold.

Mr Sleeth’s willingness to provide designated driving services for customers also stands out as a rare and appreciated offering in the hospitality industry.

The couple faced early challenges, including multiple attempted burglaries, but persevered.

Unfortunately, their adventure was cut short when the building ownership changed hands, making it financially unsustainable for Mr Sleeth and Ms Parkkola to continue.

“It’s not easy closing a business,” Mr Sleeth said, reflecting on the closure.

The pub holds many cherished memories for the couple; and patrons, such as the Friday night pool competition boys, who they say have become true friends.

They will be truly missed.

Liam Morrison, a Toolamba local, fondly remembers countless great nights he spent at the pub with ‘the boys’ and expressed sadness at losing such a vibrant hub.

Gary Limbrick from Mooroopna, locally referred to as ‘Unit’, cites the excellent service, the camaraderie, and the enduring sense of community fostered at the Cricketers Arms Hotel in the face of challenging events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the 2022 floods.

Mr Sleeth now looks forward to a well-deserved break as he and his partner bid farewell, to spend quality time with family.

And maybe even enjoy the luxury of lounging on a beach somewhere — something that’s been a rarity over the past five years due to their demanding schedule.